OU's CONTEMPORARY
DANCE OKLAHOMA
TO PERFORM 
MARCH 2 - 11

                 University Theatre and School of Dance presents Contemporary Dance Oklahoma scheduled to open at 8 p.m. Friday, March 2 in the Elsie C. Brackett Theatre, 563 Elm Ave. on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus. Additional performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. March 2, 3, 9 and 10; and at 3 p.m. March 4 and 11. This production is suitable for all audiences.

"The dancers and faculty of Contemporary Dance Oklahoma have assembled a diverse and dynamic offering of works ranging from fluid, improvisational based work to high energy movement that displays a communal joy of spirit of joy," said Michael Bearden, OU School of Dance director.

Two distinguished guest artists David Hochoy and Jean-Guillaume Weis came to campus to set their dance works on the company last fall.

Hochoy is artistic director with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis and was a long-time member of the Martha Graham company as both a dancer and a member of the artistic staff. His piece Skin Walkers, is loosely based on a Celtic legend about a tribe of people who can "change their skin" in order to camouflage themselves to escape predators. The music was written specifically for the ballet, by Indianapolis based composers T.H. Gillespie and L.E. McCullough, and features electric violinist Cathy Morris. This is the third in a trilogy of pieces entitled Myths for A New Millennium. Through a series of dances the lyricism, poetry and rhythmic athleticism of the "New Age Celtic" style of the music is explored ultimately leading to a thrilling climax celebrating the joy of movement in human expression.

Weis’ piece “A Flock of Dreams” is an improvisational based work where by the dancers have to be intuitive as to when they join with each other in group work and when they venture out into their own improvisational phrases. This fluid work is mesmerizing and showcases the artistic voices of the dancers both individually and collectively.

OU School of Dance faculty Austin Hartel and Roxanne Lyst have created innovative dance works to complete the program.

Hartel’s “Impromptu” is an exciting and dynamic work, which true to its name and was created in a spontaneous process to explore interactions which develop into relationships.

Lyst’s dance “Acceptance” investigates complicated family dynamics in and around a house. The house represents acceptance either by family, friends, romantic partners, or society at large. The desire to be welcomed into the house and also to be our true selves outside of the house are explored throughout this work from diverse perspectives.

The School of Dance dedicates this year’s Contemporary Dance Oklahoma production to the late Norman musician Boyd Littell. Boyd was a School of Dance accompanist for 15 years and played for every modern dance class on the schedule. His gentle smile, extraordinary musicianship and open spirit made him an integral part of the modern dance department during his time at OU. He was a treasured friend who inspired many. The School of Dance and countless dancers he collaborated with through the years will truly miss him.

Contemporary Dance Oklahoma is comprised of students from the School of Dance; they are Amber Bailey, Alexandra Brewster, Micah Bullard, Daniela Carvalho, Rachel Chan, Alma Cienski, Molly Davidson, Hannah Dillenbeck, Infiniti Eaglin, Amanda Evans, Emily Franks, Camryn Fry, Gianna Hagnell, Nacoleon Hillsman III, Jamilynne Johnson, Kieran King, Hannah Knorr, Jessica Liske, Sarah Mack, Korinne Manjarres, Emily Nichols, Maddie Padilla, Melynda Phillips, Colleen Reed, Irandy Reyes, Joie Rice, Kori Richardson, Julie Russel, Breanna Troutman, Megan Watson, Emmy Wildermuth, Claire Willcutt, and Brick Ban from the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre.

The design staff consists of Kalani Lewis, scenic designer; Tatum Texada and Serena Bunn, costume designers; and Joshua Robbins, lighting designer. The production staff includes Michael Bearden, artistic director; Kat Brown and Caroline Boyd, stage managers; Jeff Baldwin, technical director; Kasey Allee-Foreman, associate producer; and Mary Margaret Holt, producer.

For more information or to schedule an interview call the OU School of Dance office at  (405) 325-4051.

Advance purchase tickets for Contemporary Dance Oklahoma are $25 for adult; $20 for senior adult, OU employee and military; and $10 for student, plus handling fee. Tickets at the door are $35 for adult and $15 for student, cash or check only.  Tickets also may be purchased online at theatre.ou.edu , by calling (405) 325-4101 or visiting the OU Fine Arts Box Office in the Catlett Music Center, 500 W. Boyd St. For accommodations, please call the OU Fine Arts Box Office at (405) 325-4101.

DOWNTOWN OKC
HOME TOUR 
MARCH 4

On March 4 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership and the Business Improvement District will host the 2018 Downtown Home Tour to provide a glimpse of what it’s like to live in the heart of Oklahoma City. The tour will showcase nine new, popular, and historic properties in the downtown area. Tours are self-guided and guests may begin at any participating location. Beginning at 12:00 p.m., shuttles will be running the entire route, making stops at each property. The Downtown Home Tour is free and open to the public.

The tour will feature the following properties:

701 Hudson – 701 Hudson is a 5-story luxury condo property with 10 residential units located at 701 N. Hudson Ave. Each flat will boast a high-end modern design with white oak hardwood floors. Take a first look at this new property that is not scheduled to be completed until Summer 2018.

Carnegie Centre – Since its renovation in 2014, Carnegie Centre has become home to residential lofts and commercial businesses such as Udander Spa, Nourished Food Bar, and the UCO Downtown Campus. Carnegie Centre is located in the Central Business District at 131 Dean A. McGee Ave.

The Civic Condominiums – The Civic is a visionary residential condominium community that can be found in the Arts District in Downtown Oklahoma City, located at 627 Couch Drive. Designed by renowned Butzer Architects and Urbanism, The Civic is comprised of 2 buildings with 34 condominium home units.

LIFT – Located in the Midtown district at 801 NW 10^th St., LIFT is a new, mixed-use development of urban apartments and commercial space built in 2016.  Home to 329 apartments, LIFT features a salt water pool, outdoor lounges, dog park, and more.

The Montgomery – Located at 500 W. Main St. in the Film Row district, The Montgomery originally opened in 1929 as Oklahoma City’s Montgomery Ward Department Store. The Montgomery is now a mixed-use retail and residential building featuring 70 upscale apartments with one floor of specialty shops and offices.

Mosaic – Located at 321 N. Oklahoma Ave., Mosaic sits in the heart of the historic Deep Deuce district. Mosaic is the newest extension of the Level community. It includes high ceilings, full-size patios, gourmet kitchens, a parking garage, a laze pool, and poolside grills. Residents can enjoy views of the city’s skyline from the 2^nd and 5^th floor terraces.

Park Harvey – Located in the Central Business District at 200 N. Harvey Ave., Park Harvey was originally built in 1957. Formerly known as The Fidelity Bank Building, it operated as a bank and office building for over fifty years. In 2006, the building went through a major remodel and reopened in 2007 as a 162-unit apartment building.

The Sieber – Located in Oklahoma City's vibrant Midtown district at 1305 N. Hudson Ave., The Sieber residents enjoy close proximity to many neighborhood amenities including restaurants, boutique retail, and public parks. The two buildings underwent extensive renovations in 2006. It houses 5,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space, 30 apartments, and 8 loft-style units.

The Historic TownHouse Apartments – Built in 1933, The TownHouse (Hotel) was a residential hotel built to provide housing for those who worked downtown. Located at 627 NW 5^th St., The TownHouse remained virtually untouched until undergoing a substantial renovation in 2017, converting its 54 single rooms into an 18-unit luxury apartment building.

Guests are invited to visit Artspace at Untitled for the official Downtown Home Tour refreshment stop, sponsored by the realty group, Keesee and Company, Inc. Artspace at Untitled in located at 1 NE 3^rd St.

For more information about the Downtown Home Tour, visit www.downtownokc.com/downtown-home-tour. Please find a map of the participating locations on the website.

[ARTSPACE] AT UNTITLED
OPENING RESCHEDULED 
TO THURSDAY, MARCH 1

Join us for the Opening Reception of Works on Paper a selection of prints and drawings created by Oklahoma artists in the 1970s and 1980s, gifted to Artspace by the Oklahoma State Arts Council. Featuring a selection of prints by our Artists in Residence over the years. Thursday, March 1st  •  5 - 8pm Print Panel Discussion begins 6:30pm Free & open to the public Thank you to the Oklahoma State Arts Council for their generous gift that made this exhibition possible   RSVP https://1ne3.org            [Artspace] at Untitled, 1 NE 3rd Street Oklahoma City, OK, 73104 | (405) 815-9995

RSVP

SALVATION ARMY
SHELTERS OPEN
& EVENING MEALS
ONGOING
 
Open and continuing Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, are the Salvation Army shelters
and evening meals in Oklahoma City and Norman. Shelters are located at: 

- 1001 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73107 
- 318 E. Hayes, Norman, OK 73069

Due to the winter storm, The Salvation Army Oklahoma City administrative offices, social services office, and senior centers will be closed on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. The Salvation Army of Canadian County and The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club will be closed as well.

 

Commentary
 THE LITTLE MERMAID
FULFILLING UNDER
THE SEA & ON LAND
By Nancy Condit
The world premiere of artistic director Robert Mills'  
The Little Mermaid was a charming ballet performed well by 
the Oklahoma City Ballet Friday night at the Civic Center 
Music Hall. Remaining performances are at 8 p.m. Saturday, 
and 2 p.m. Sunday, February 17 and 18. Tickets may be 
purchased online at https://www.okcballet.org/, and
at the Civic Center box office one hour before the performance.

The atmosphere of Act I was delightfully set under water
with projections designed by Michael Baumgarten, lighting
designed by Aaron Mooney, and sets and costumes courtesy
of the Charlotte Ballet. 

At the bottom of the sea, where the water was darkest blue,
sea creatures from transparent jelly fish with glowing tentacles
floating as puppets held high by on point ballet dancers to
children costumed as star fish moving sideways across the 
stage to mermaids held swimmers, Act I opened in another
world. 

As Ariel, DaYoung Jung swam, held by her black-clad swimmers,
at first moved awkwardly on land, and finished as a classical Russian 
bride in a lovely pas de deux with Alvin Tovstogray as Erik, the sailor 
she rescued from a shipwreck. Both Jung and Tovstogray were
a pleasure to watch.

Mills' choreography was particularly interesting as Jung moved in
water with her new legs, playing with the water as she was leaving
it for the land.

Mills' choreography was involving in the wedding scene, as the
bride and groom, friends, and all the guests danced 19th century
classic Russian style arrangements. Erik and his naval friends
also engaged a lively 19th century folk-military dance. 

His choice and arrangement of music, Zemlinsky's Der Seejungfrau, 
and Gliere's The Red Poppy, set the scenes while fitting and feeding the ballet.

This week Mills received the Governor's Arts Award for Community Service, 
including adding a Parkinson's Dance Class to OKC Ballet's offerings. He is
also celebrating 10  years as artistic director of the Oklahoma City Ballet.

"Aspects of this production were first conceived by Mr. Mills at the National
Choreographers Initiative in Irvine, California," from the program. 

Anyone can achieve their dreams. In the process, give thanks to those
that help you, and never forget those that tried to stand in your way, appeared
between the production information and the program information.

 
 

BART CONNER &
NADIA COMANECI'S
FREE SPORTS
EXPERIENCE
FEB. 17 IN COX 
CONVENTION CTR.

BART & NADIA SPORTS EXPERIENCE
FEBRUARY 17, 9AM - 3PM
COX CONVENTION CENTER, 1 MYRIAD GDNS

In an effort to improve the fitness and health of all Oklahomans, Conner and Comaneci are providing free fun for the whole family at their eighth annual Bart & Nadia Sports Experience. The event, which will include approximately 2,000 participating athletes in a variety of Olympic sports, will be held at the Cox Convention Center on Saturday February 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Bart & Nadia Sports Experience features a wide array of sports competitions, interactive sports and fitness activities and demonstrations, exciting children’s activities and sports clinics. The Sports Experience is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit bartandnadiasportsexperience.com.

THE LITTLE MERMAID
BY OKC BALLET TO BE 
PERFORMED, AND 
THE NEW ART OPENS 
AT OKCMOA THIS WEEKEND.
SEE PREVIOUS POSTS.

 Editorial
OKLAHOMA'S HOUSE
DEFEAT OF THE "STEP UP"
BILL IS A STEP DOWN
FOR OKLAHOMA STUDENTS,
TEACHERS, PARENTS,
GUARDIANS,
AND FOR OKLAHOMA.
SHAME ON THE HOUSE.
AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 
NATIONAL RANKINGS IN 
PUBLIC SCHOOLS, 
DEDICATED STUDENTS
AND TEACHERS STILL 
STRUGGLE AGAINST THE
ODDS. GOOD LUCK TO THEM
AS THEY CONTINUE TO FIGHT.

By Nancy P. Condit
 

CITY REP PRESENTS
heisenberg AT
CIVIC CENTER THROUGH
FEBRUARY 11

Don't miss the show critics call "IMPORTANT, WONDERFUL and OUTSTANDING"!

Directed by Ruth Charnay

February 9th through 11th

at

The Civic Center's CitySpace Theater

TICKETS

Starring Broadway leading lady Stacey Logan, with longtime Oklahoma City favorite Ben Hall. Ms. Logan and Mr. Hall are affiliated artists with the CityRep company.

Image courtesy of City Rep

THE LITTLE MERMAID
PRESENTED BY 
OKC BALLET FEB. 16-18

The Little Mermaid will be presented February 16-18 at the Civic Center Music Hall. In this World Premiere ballet, choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Mills, we follow a young mermaid who is willing to give up her identity and her life in the sea to gain a human soul. This incredible tale of sacrifice for eternal love will feature multimedia projections, along with spectacular sets and costumes. The original choreography is inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story but with a twist that only Mr. Mills can bring to the stage. This version will not have any singing lobsters, but will instead feature video projections and the music of Alexander Zemlinksy, Alexander Borodin, and other classical composers of the era.  Please call our box office at (405) 848-TOES (8637) or www.okcballet.org./performance/the-little-mermaid/

You may also call the Civic Center Music Hall at 297-2264.

2-Performance Season Tickets are still available!  

Call 405-848-8637 to get all the benefits of a Season Subscription!

OKC BALLET CHOOSES
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JO LYNNE JONES

OKC Ballet Announces New Executive Director

Jo Lynne Jones, new Executive Director, OKC Ballet.

Oklahoma City Ballet is thrilled to announce the hiring of Jo Lynne Jones as the John Kirkpatrick Executive Director. Jones comes to Oklahoma City Ballet from Infant Crisis Services, an Oklahoma City nonprofit where she served 16 years, most recently as Director of Development and Communications. Before her tenure in nonprofit, Jones worked in the broadcast industry as a news reporter and anchor.
“I enjoyed meeting Jo very much.  We hit it off right away.  I am excited for her to bring her vast experience in nonprofit leadership to our team at Oklahoma City Ballet,”  said  Robert Mills, Artistic Director of Oklahoma City Ballet.
“It is an honor to join the talented staff of Oklahoma City Ballet, one of the city’s premiere cultural institutions,” said Jones. “Like so many young girls, I, too, grew up dreaming of being a ballerina. While I didn’t pursue that artistic path, I know that my calling as a nonprofit leader will serve me well in this new and exciting position. I am thrilled to lead an organization of distinction in our community, and I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, patrons, administration and artistic staff of this illustrious company.”
As the John Kirkpatrick Executive Director, Jones will take the helm of the organization during a very exciting time for the Ballet. A capital campaign has been underway for a little over a year, and is 91% to goal as renovations continue in the new facility at 6800 North Classen.  
In addition to her nonprofit career, Jones is also a board member for Brave Woman, a national organization giving voice to domestic abuse survivors. She serves as past president of the Oklahoma chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Oklahoma County Bar Auxiliary. She is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City Class 30 and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Jones is married to Tom Mullen, an attorney, and they have two sons.
“Jo is a perfect fit for us.  She is enthusiastic about our company, our performances and especially our community involvement.,” said Sally Nichols-Starling, Board of Trustees President. “ She comes to us at a crucial time as we continue the move into our new iconic dance center.  With Jo as our Executive Director, we look forward to continued growth and recognition on a national level.”
The John Kirkpatrick Executive Directorship is a newly endowed position, with the endowment  gift coming from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. The position was named for John E. Kirkpatrick, who was an integral part of the founding of Oklahoma City Ballet with Yvonne Choteau and Miguel Terekhov.

# # #
About Oklahoma City Ballet: Founded in 1972 by Ballet Russe dancers Yvonne Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov, Oklahoma City Ballet has been the city’s professional ballet company for 46 years. It is the resident dance Company of the Civic Center Music Hall and currently boasts dancers from around the world. Led by Artistic Director Robert Mills, the Company produces five main stage productions per season in Oklahoma City and tours across Oklahoma and the surrounding states. Oklahoma City Ballet restages the classics in addition to neo classical and other works of the 20th century. It also regularly commissions new works from the industry’s leading choreographers.

MISS BROWN TO YOU
FEBRUARY & MARCH

The Park Pigeon Occasional Vol. 20 No. 2

Zannotti's: Friday, February 2nd They say that if you see Miss Brown's shadow on Ground Hog Day, It will be at least four weeks before you see them in Stillwater again. From 7 - 10 pm, it will be party time at Downtown Stilly's best wine joint. Join us!

Full Circle: Saturday, February 3rd We're back for our monthly Unmitigated Good Time at the Book Store. 7:30 - 9:30: wine, beers, snacks, good music, and Civilization.

Miss Brown Quartet at UCO! This will be our Valentine's Special! 8 - 10:30, $10 cover. For tickets click here.

The Incredible Repeating Calendar... Saturday, March 3rd: Full Circle Book Store. Probably feature some Celtic music. Another excuse to play "Days of Auld Lang Syne?" Bring it. And Friday, March 9th, UCO Jazz Lab: sounds like a good night to bring back "The Lakes of the Pontchartrain...

Don't want ya'll to miss it... ...if you like Joni Mitchell music. The Tribute Nights are Friday and Saturday, April 13 - 14. The featured album this year: "Ladies of the Canyon." For tickets click here.

THE NEW ART CELEBRATES
ACQUISITION OF
WASHINGTON GALLERY OF
MODERN ART COLLECTION
50 YEAR LATER
AT THE OKCMOA 
OPENING SAT. FEB. 17TH

“The New Art: A Milestone Collection Fifty Years Later” opens Feb. 17

New exhibition commemorates the 50th anniversary of transformative OKCMOA acquisition

Robert Indiana, Coenties Slip, oil on canvas, 1962, 60 x 48 inches,
OKCMOA purchase, Washington Gallery of Modern Art Collection, l968.
Courtesy of OKCMOA. Photo by Joseph Mills

In 1968, the Oklahoma Art Center (the predecessor to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art) purchased the 154 piece collection of the Washington Gallery of Modern Art, transforming Oklahoma City’s collection of contemporary art. Opening Saturday, Feb. 17 on OKCMOA’s first floor, “The New Art: A Milestone Collection Fifty Years Later,” will feature 52 works from this collection, including paintings, prints, sculptures and drawings.

“The acquisition of this collection by the Oklahoma Art Center was both visionary and courageous,” said President and CEO E. Michael Whittington. “At the time, many of the artists represented here were at the beginning of their careers. Since then, these artists and their work have become the definitive examples of early Contemporary American art. This exhibition celebrates these important works of art and the significant legacy of arts leaders in Oklahoma City during the late 1960s.”

David Park, Double Portrait, 1959, oil on canvas, 44 by 50 inches,

OKCMOA purchase, Washington Gallery of Modern Art Collection, 1968.

Courtesy of OKCMOA. Photo by Bryan Cook

“The Washington Gallery of Modern art transformed the Washington, D.C. art scene and brought focus and interest to D.C. as a leader in contemporary art,” added Director of Curatorial Affairs Dr. Michael J. Anderson. “We are lucky to have these incredible artworks here in Oklahoma City permanently. Not only has this helped establish the city as a leading collector of abstract expressionism, post painterly abstraction, color field painting, minimalism, and pop art but it has helped spur additional gifts, including 125 works from the Paul and Esther Reed Trust by Washington Color School artist Paul Reed.”

Blogger's note: Ellsworth Kelly's Red Blue, 1968, was not able to be accurately copied from the painting
through the internet. If you get a chance to see the collection at the museum, I urge you to look for this
90 x 69 1/2 inch painting for the meeting of the vibrancy, as curator Roja Najahi says, of the vertical red stripe through the center of the deep blue background. 
 

Open from 1961 to 1968, the Washington Gallery of Modern Art brought recognition to D.C.’s contemporary art scene. Among the many groundbreaking shows, the Gallery’s exhibition of the “Washington Color Painters” featuring works by Washington-based artists defined the most important movement of the nation’s capital: Washington Color School. When the Washington Gallery of Modern Art closed in 1968, due to increasing competition among Washington museums to exhibit contemporary art, the Oklahoma Art Center made the bold decision to purchase this historically significant collection.

Exhibition highlights include works by Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Diebenkorn, Grace Hartigan, Sam Gilliam, Robert Indiana and Paul Reed, along with rarely shown works by Morris Louis, Ruth Vollmer, Lee Bontecou and John Latham.

Adult admission is $12, with discounts available for seniors, students and members of the military. Admission for Museum members is always free.

The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.